RT Book, Section A1 Bunch, Jennifer R. A1 Qian, Xiang A2 Longnecker, David E. A2 Mackey, Sean C. A2 Newman, Mark F. A2 Sandberg, Warren S. A2 Zapol, Warren M. SR Print(0) ID 1144137418 T1 Pharmacological Management of Chronic Pain T2 Anesthesiology, 3e YR 2017 FD 2017 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780071848817 LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1144137418 RD 2024/03/29 AB KEY POINTSComprehensive pain management focuses on improving patient functionality and quality of life by integrating pharmacologic treatment, interventional modalities, physical therapy, and cognitive-behavioral modification. Among them, pharmacological therapy remains the mainstay of treatment.Finding appropriate pharmacological treatments through a mechanism-based approach offers the best chance for a rational selection of proper therapies.Optimal use of medications requires a thorough understanding of their pharmacology as well as the ability to compare their effects through standardized study including meta-analysis and measures such as number needed to treat analysis.Opioid therapy presents unique challenges to the prescriber including pharmacologic tolerance, side effect, dependence, abuse, drug diversion, and medicolegal issues. Continuous monitoring and attention to the physician-patient relationship is vital.The future of pain practice involves combination therapy because a solo agent is rarely sufficient to manage pain.